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Newman and Hankinson relishing 'surreal' opportunity at Allegiant Stadium
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Newman and Hankinson relishing 'surreal' opportunity at Allegiant Stadium

#Super League #Las Vegas #Allegiant Stadium #Leeds Rhinos #Hull KR #Rugby League #NRL #Harry Newman

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR will compete at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 28, 2026
  • Chris Hankinson will start on the bench as Ash Handley returns from injury
  • Harry Newman is using the match as an opportunity to impress NRL representatives
  • The stadium has hosted major events like Super Bowl and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
  • This is part of rugby league's international expansion strategy

📖 Full Retelling

Leeds Rhinos players Harry Newman and Chris Hankinson are relishing the opportunity to play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the Super League rugby match against Hull KR on Saturday February 28, 2026, as part of rugby league's high-profile takeover of the 60,000-seater venue. The two teams are opening a bumper day of rugby league action at the stadium, which is normally home to the Las Vegas Raiders and has previously hosted major events like the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. For both players, the experience has been described as "surreal," with thousands of fans already congregating on Fremont Street in the build-up to the match. Chris Hankinson, who has been in impressive form for Leeds this season, will start on the bench for this match as captain Ash Handley returns from injury. Despite his stellar performances, Hankinson has taken the decision in stride, emphasizing a team-first approach. "I have had it before at a previous club so it is not something I am unfamiliar with," he stated. "Team-first is the way it has to be always." The 23-year-old center described the atmosphere as overwhelming, particularly on Fremont Street where both sets of supporters created an electric environment. Harry Newman, who is in his final year with Leeds before joining the new NRL franchise Perth Bears in 2027, sees this match as an opportunity to impress the numerous NRL representatives in attendance. "There are a lot of people from the NRL here so it would be nice to go out and play well, but my first priority is playing well for Leeds and finishing off in the way that I would like to," he said. Newman acknowledges the challenge of facing "the world champions Hull KR" but remains confident in his team's ability to deliver an entertaining performance on the world stage.

🏷️ Themes

Rugby League, International Expansion, Player Experience, Super League

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Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Las Vegas:

👤 Super League 4 shared
🌐 Rugby league 3 shared
👤 Hull Kingston Rovers 3 shared
🌐 When We Were Young (festival) 2 shared
👤 Leeds Rhinos 2 shared
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Original Source
Super League in Las Vegas 2026: Harry Newman and Chris Hankinson relishing 'surreal' opportunity at Allegiant Stadium Leeds Rhinos' Harry Newman and Chris Hankinson are relishing the opportunity to play at Allegiant Stadium for rugby league's takeover; Watch Hull KR take on Leeds Rhinos from the city of Las Vegas on Saturday February 28 from 11pm By Megan Wellens in Las Vegas Friday 27 February 2026 21:53, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sky Sports' Brian Carney explains the Super League pitch brought into the Allegiant Stadium weighs as much as the Eiffel Tower. It is fair to say it has been a surreal week as a whole for Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR - and that is not going to stop when it gets to game day. The two Super League sides open a bumper day of rugby league action on Saturday with three matches at the 60,000 seater Allegiant Stadium. Home to the Las Vegas Raiders, it is one of the most high spec, modern stadia in the world, having hosted a SuperBowl, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and many more massive events. Super League in Las Vegas 2026: Build-up to Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos Super League 2026 - fixtures for regular season and play-offs Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOW Download Sky Sports app for expert analysis, video and more Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want It was built as an arena, as an event space, and the task for Leeds and Hull KR is to entertain in the way so many have before on this pitch. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Thousands of fans congregated on Fremont Street in Las Vegas in the build up to Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos. Watch the match live on Sky Sports on Saturday February 28 from 11pm. For Chris Hankinson, it is an opportunity that will only sink in once the dust settles. "It is surreal. Everyone says to soak it up but I think it is a bit hard to because it is so overwhelming," the Rhinos centre said. "Even last night on Fremont Street with that ...
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